This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.
I'll have the fantastic Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker, and have local Illinois ones from Midwest Coast and Half Acre!



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Beer Media Group

In Episode 280, I'll chat with David Nilsen—award-winning author, Certified Cicerone®, educator, and one of the sharpest voices in beer media. We'll dig deep into:

• The inspiration behind Final Gravity, David’s human-centered beer zine
• Why beer and chocolate make such powerful (and surprising) pairing partners
• The origins of David’s passion for craft beer
• The growing world of craft chocolate
• How breweries are navigating today’s shifting beer industry
• Dayton’s underrated and walkable beer scene
• Holiday pairing tips that anyone can try at home

I'll also share Thanksgiving beer pairing tips, cover the week’s big beer news, and close the show with a live beer-and-chocolate pairing using a Belgian Triple from Bruz Beers and chocolate from Chicago’s own Vosges.

David Nilsen
Bean To Barstool
Final Gravity




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Beer Media Group

In Episode 279, Dave dives into the rise, fall, and lasting legacy of Anchor Brewing, one of the true pioneers of American craft beer. From its 19th-century roots to the steam beer that helped kickstart the modern craft movement, this episode looks at how Anchor shaped the industry — and why its story still hits so hard today.

Main Topics

The History of Anchor Brewing A full walkthrough of Anchor’s incredible journey, including:

• Its founding during the California Gold Rush
• The near-collapse in the 1950s and 60s
• The Fritz Maytag rescue that changed everything
• How Anchor Steam became a craft icon
• The challenges leading up to its 2023 closure

• A Taste of the Past: Our Special Ale Dave revisits an old review of Anchor’s 2020 Our Special Ale.

 • Beer News of the Week The latest headlines, industry shifts, and brewing world stories worth knowing — delivered with the usual no-nonsense commentary.

• Is PBR Extra Any Good? At $4 for a 30-pack, Dave puts PBR Extra to the test and gives a straight, honest verdict.





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Beer Media Group

If you are of a certain age, Pete’s Wicked Ale brings back fond memories of the early days of craft beer. On this episode, I’ll dive into the meteoric rise and fall of one of the first superstar craft brands of the 80’s and 90’s. I’ll also have a FOBAB review and have a craft beer from Peru!

Beer Media Group 

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Beer Media Group

THC beverages are everywhere right now, but not everyone’s thrilled about it. This week on Beer In Front, I break down why the attorneys general are pushing back — and what it means for drinkers. I'll also have some great beers this week from Bruz and Sierra Nevada! 

Beer Media Group

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Beer Media Group

Fresh Wet-Hopped Episode Hosted by: Dave Zalatoris
Produced by: Beer In Front / Beer Media Group
Release Date: October 2025
Runtime: ~62 minutes

This week, I'll explore the world of fresh and wet-hopped beers — celebrating the seasonal release that marks one of craft beer’s most anticipated times of year. I'll talk to three standout breweries from Colorado, producing exceptional wet-hopped ales and discuss the nuances that separate fresh hops from traditional hop varieties.

Bruz Beers
FlyteCo Tower
Public Offering Brewing

Beer Media Group

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Beer Media Group

The Festival Of Wood And Barrel Aged Beer is right around the corner. FOBAB will be held this year on November 7-8 at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each session will have over 300 beverages all aged in wood or wood barrels. I'll chat with Katie Carrier from the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild to get the details on the festival for 2025! 

Festival Of Wood And Barrel Aged Beer
Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Beer Media Group



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Beer Media Group

No one wants to feel hungover after a night of alcohol! Last Call is a new product with natural ingredients that improves well being the following morning. I spoke to the founders of Last Call about their product. I tried it myself and noticed a difference and felt better than I should have! 

If you use the code inthecart you can save money and try it for yourself. 

Last Call

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Beer Media Group

The GABF is this weekend. I'll talk to the owners of Colorado's Bootstrap Brewing about their story, charitable work, and trying to add to their medal count as one of Colorado's most decorated breweries! 

Bootstrap Brewery
Great American Beef Festival

Beer Media Group




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Beer Media Group

Solo show this week, I'll have the news of the week plus some great beers from Alter, Sketchbook, and Revolution! 



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Beer Media Group